MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE OZARK CITY COUNCIL

July 8, 2024

Ozark City Council Meeting Room

The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Hall and upon a roll call, a quorum was declared. Present were Council Members Angela Harris, Argest Hyler, Loren Maier, Charlie Meeker, Randy Melton and Summer Miner. Also present were Mayor Roxie Hall, City Treasurer/Deputy Clerk Marla Ward and City Attorney Kevin Barham. The invocation was given by Mr. Barham and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Angela Harris.

Roll call was made with all Council Members in attendance.
A motion made by Randy Melton and seconded by Argest Hyler with all members voting aye to approve Minutes. With a motion made by Argest Hyler and seconded by Summer Miner with all members voting aye to approve Financial Report.

The Ozark Police Department reported that 25 arrests were made in the month of June. While 66 reports were taken along with 13 accidents, 5 motor assistances, 1 ICAC Cyber Crime, 25 warrants served, 2 Juvenile ticketed, 98 traffic tickets were given, 342 traffic warnings were issued, 23 City Ordinance Warnings issued with 5 City Ordinance tickets given. The Department sold a 2013 Ford Explorer for $2501.00. Five old Chargers were sold for $350.00 on govedeals auction for scrap. The Ozark Police Department hosted in our training facility, the Ozark Schools, Cass Job Corps, the 188th Air Force SF, Probation and Parole, and the Siloam Springs Swat team. Special Response used the training center, while The DOE toured our training facility.

Two Officer’s, Jacob Campbell and Tyler Whitsett graduated from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Academy in Fort Smith on June 14. The Ozark Police Department is still working to raise money for the Shop with a Cop.

Ozark Volunteer Fire Department answered 63 calls during the month of June.

Ozark Street Department worked on filling potholes, mowing, and weed eating. Bushhogged Westside Park, Puddin Ridge and School Street. Work is continuing at the new pavilion at Highland Cemetery with dirt work and grass seeds sown.

Ozark Water reported that routine maintenance, repairs, sampling, service calls, water/sewer taps, street cut follow-up, sewer jetting and including work at N 2nd, S 3rd, River Street and Santa Fe Trail. 100 hydrants throughout distribution systems were flushed. 44 utility line locations were processed. Engineers assisting with ARDOT-Hicks Creek, Hwy 64 bridge replacement project and possible water line relocation slated for Summer 2025. A recertification for Industrial Stormwater permit at transfer station was submitted.

Ozark Community Center is offering a Summer Special $10 off 3-month membership. The exercise room has been a great addition to the Center, it is being very utilized. The Center is getting the windows cleaned in the pool area in the next few weeks. And 4 quotes have been received on window coverings and those will be discussed at the Parks and Recreation committee on July 16th. Booklets have been received for Miracle League and they are starting to work on the next steps to keep things going. A meeting is scheduled with Mr. Franks to go over fundraising ideas. With the parking lot finished and electric updates we will start advertising Food Truck spaces open for rental. A “Back to School Bash” is being planned with Webb City to partner in the event.

The Fire & Police Committee reported that with the sale of the old police equipment new radar signs could be purchased. The signs would be placed on certain streets to make drivers aware of the speed they are traveling. Also, the computers in the patrol cars are not in compliance. And those are needing updated. Ozark Schools Superintendent has asked for help with a third Resource Officer for the Altus Middle School campus. The radio for the Fire Department was struck by lightning and the cost for replacement was $8326.00.

Policy and Personal Committee discussion was regarding the leave for Police and Fire uniformed officers to be updated/changed. An ordinance was drafted for the Council to review.

The Cemetery Committee discussed the adding or widening of the pavilion to add handrails and sidewalk. Also looking into adding weather curtains to help keep the rain out during a service. The committee also asked to put in place a policy or ordinance that no burial would be done on Sundays.

Old Business discussed was regarding the Kimbrough Building downtown. The building needs to be updated for safety reasons. The city has received permission to seek a lien on the estate of the owners of the building. With the legal process in play the council voted to ask for bids to repair the backside of the building for safety.

Larry Smalty met with Mayor Hall and Fire Chief Nick Trotter on the 17th to look at the building and gather information so we will be able to move forward.

The new Business presented was Ordinance 2024-9 regarding the leave for uniformed police and fire officers. The vote was tabled due to wording. Council Member Hyler presented information on a mobile app for the city. The app from Apptegy Mobile App. The app could save the city money and would be able get information out quickly. A motion was made to amend the budget and go forward with the venture. Motion made by Council Member Hyler, 2nd by Maier with all members voting for.

There was no public input at the meeting.

Mayor Hall gave an update on the construction of the Food Pantry and should be finished by December 24. A meeting with Rusty Peoples on what was wanted/needed with the grant money received for bathrooms, shade and playground equipment at Westside Park. There have been 8 new business applied for Business Licenses in the city so far this year along with 2 Food Trucks. The parking lot at the Community Center is ready for Food Trucks. Also, the Community Center is trying to put together a Back to School Bash.

The 4th of July Celebration on the 3rd was a huge success.

Upcoming meetings for the July,
Parks & Recreation July 16th at 5:30 P.M.
Street & Water July 18th at 5:30 P.M.

Motion made by Council Member Randy Melton and seconded by Council Member Summer Miner to adjourn, passed with all members voting, aye.